Hadrian travels to Lower Germany to congratulate Trajan on his being named heir to the throne. On the way, he receives word of Nerva's death. Hadrian realizes that another imperial hopeful, Servianus, intends to send a separate messenger to Trajan, so that he can be first to tell him of his accession. Hadrian plows ahead without rest and arrives at Trajan's camp just ahead of Servianus's man.
Trajan is still uncertain about Hadrian, having heard at length about his debts and affairs from jealous politicians. This is exacerbated by an incident in which both Trajan and Hadrian are enamored of the same young man, and Hadrian succeeds in having him. Hadrian's guardian, Attianus, repairs relations between them.
Trajan begins a campaign against the Dacians, placing Hadrian in a middling officer's rank. Hadrian.....
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